Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon says St Kilda supporters “should be rapt” about securing Jack Silvagni’s free agency commitment and ignore chatter about dollars.
St Kilda on Wednesday confirmed the 27-year-old Silvagni had elected Moorabbin as his destination of choice as a free agent amid significant interest from Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
It comes amid Saints confirmation that Silvagni’s father, former Blues great and current St Kilda list manager Stephen, “played no role” in the club’s pursuit of his son.
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The forward-turned-defender’s deal is reported to be worth $4 million over five years, likely triggering end-of-first-round compensation.
Silvagni will join Carlton teammate Tom De Koning as the Saints’ two high-profile additions this off-season, with the ruckman set to pen a lucrative deal in October worth around $1.7 million over eight seasons.
In terms of the stance at other clubs in the Silvagni race, AFL 360 host Gerard Whateley said: “I think, rightly or wrongly, there is a sense of being played at at least one, if not both, of the other clubs who had been courting Silvagni for some time.”
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It was reported earlier on Wednesday that the Magpies and Bulldogs didn’t budge on their four-year contract offers, with the dollar amount thought to be in the range of $650,000 compared to St Kilda’s $850,000.
Lyon offered his thoughts from a Saints viewpoint.
“Here’s my advice … if you’re a St Kilda supporter, let everyone else worry about the dollars,” he said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 on Wednesday night.
“Don’t go getting caught up in the minutia of ‘is he worth (X amount of money)’ … if you’re a St Kilda fan, just worry about the side that’s going to be put out there next year.
“Does Jack make you better? I think he does … does De Koning make you better? He does. Would Liam Ryan? Probably he does. And would Leek Aleer? Probably does.
“So, you should be rapt.”
The Saints have also been linked to a move for contracted Gold Coast utility Sam Flanders in the upcoming trade period.
The club’s list brains-trust has also forked over $4 million to Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, while Marcus Windhager will receive an increased pay packet if he remains at Moorabbin.
It’d be fair to say the Saints have gone on a serious shopping spree in the back half of this season.
“Now, for everyone else who wants to get into the money game, and whether (other clubs have) been played, that’s for us — that’s radio, media, footy clubs to b***h and moan,” Lyon continued.
“But if you’re a St Kilda fan, you’re getting better. You just hope it doesn’t blow up in your face.
“It is (chips in) … I know it’s going to be a great talking point, but does he make St Kilda better? Yep, he does. So, Saints fans, away you go.”
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Per a report from The Age later on Wednesday, Saints footy boss David Misson confirmed Stephen Silvagni “wasn’t involved in any meeting, negotiation or discussion” involving the possible acquisition of Jack.
“From the outset, ‘Gubby’ (Allan, St Kilda’s player acquisition manager) drove the initial interest,” Misson said.
“Ross (Lyon) watched more of Jack’s games. The game against (Western Bulldogs forward Aaron) Naughton he loved. We then did a deep dive on Jack’s game and analytics as well as watching him. We were really impressed.
“Along the whole process, ‘SOS’ (Stephen Silvagni) wasn’t involved in any meeting, negotiation or discussion and excused himself whenever Jack was brought up.”
Jack Silvagni will officially join St Kilda as an unrestricted free agent after the signing period opens on Friday October 3.
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